Recreational Weed In Ocean City: Closest Place To Buy

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Recreational cannabis sales finally begin on Thursday for those 21 and over. And while Ocean City has opted out, residents can still pick up some marijuana. They just might have to travel a bit.

Ocean City officials voted to ban recreational marijuana sales, wanting to preserve the dry town as a family-friendly place. Read More: Ocean City Council Approves Ordinance Banning Marijuana Sales

But don't worry. You can still check out these dispensaries, a short drive away.

The Botanist in Egg Harbor Township is under a half an hour drive away and will be selling recreational marijuana on Thursday. The Botanist in Williamstown is under an hour away too.

Read More: Recreational Weed Sales In Egg Harbor Township: What You Need To Know

Other South Jersey dispensaries selling recreational cannabis, Zen Leaf in Lawrence and Curaleaf in Bellmawr and Edgewater Park are a bit over an hour drive away.

More will be coming in the future, as more locations are approved.

The state's Cannabis Regulatory Commission states that recreational users can purchase up to one ounce in a single transaction.

Thirteen dispensaries so far have been approved to sell adult-use cannabis products at the following locations:

• Bellmawr
• Bloomfield
• Edgewater Park
• Paterson
• Phillipsburg
• Maplewood
• Rochelle Park
• Elizabeth
• Lawrence
• Williamstown
• Egg Harbor

NJ's Cannabis Regulatory Committee Chair Dianna Houenou said that patient access and public safety remains the top priority during this new expansion into the recreational market.

"These approvals were given based on commitments from the ATCs that we would not see adverse effects with expansion," Houenou said. "Expansion into the adult-use market – with a substantial advantageous start ahead of new applicants – is a privilege that must not be taken lightly."

You can read the state's guidelines for safe and responsible marijuana consumption here.

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